Upset Alert: Leylah Fernandez falls in Cleveland opener

Leylah Fernandez suffered a disappointing first-round defeat at the WTA 250 Cleveland Open against Romanian Ana Bogdan, who advanced to the second round with a score of 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-2.

The Canadian had a dominant start to the match and was even serving to close out the victory. However, after failing to capitalise on her opportunity, she fell into a series of errors that led to a painful loss against the world No. 103 Bogdan.

The start of the match was entirely in Fernandez's favor, as she achieved two consecutive breaks and was ahead 4-0 after just 15 minutes. The 2021 US Open runner-up had some trouble with her serve, managing only a 42% first serve percentage and committing 4 double faults in the first set alone. This benefited Bogdan, who managed to recover one of the breaks in the 5th game.

However, Bogdan was unable to hold her serve for a third consecutive time, and Fernandez eventually took the set 6-1 after three consecutive breaks. In 36 minutes, Leylah appeared more consistent in her shots compared to her opponent, as the Romanian repeatedly made unforced errors when the points extended.

In the second set, Fernandez improved her first serve percentage to 56%, but began to pay too much for her second serves. However, she did not falter in her returns. Both players achieved two cross-breaks at the beginning of the set, maintaining a 2-2 tie. After suffering five consecutive breaks against her, Bogdan managed to hold her serve for the first time in the 5th game of the second set. This time, both players managed to hold their service games a few times.

Although the Romanian managed to close the gap in play, Fernandez eventually seized her next opportunity and took the break at the right moment to serve for the match. However, Bogdan came back by breaking Fernandez's serve and sending the match to a tie-break. The Romanian capitalized on the momentum to win the set 7-6(2) after a noticeable drop in the Canadian’s level.

The start of the second set was overwhelming for Bogdan, who turned things around while Fernandez sank into errors. From the beginning of the tie-break in the second set, Bogdan won 22 of the next 26 points, building an ever-increasing lead until she was 5-0 up with serve. Leylah managed a break that was only anecdotal, reduced the distance but ultimately, Bogdan secured the win, after eight match points, with a score of 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-1.

Peyton Stearns (No. 47) secured a hard-fought victory with a score of 6-0, 1-6, 6-1 against Japanese player Moyuka Uchijima (No. 63) in the first round of the Cleveland Open. The American notched her 20th win of the season and seems to be establishing herself as a regular presence in the top 50.

Stearns, 22, had a first serve percentage of only 46%, but made up for it by winning 77% of those serves. It appeared to be an easy day for the American, who took just 23 minutes to win the first set with a bagel. In the second set, Uchijima regained momentum, winning 67% of her service points and 56% of her return points, enough to take the set 6-1 and force a decider.

However, Uchijima's improvement was short-lived as the local player regained her rhythm in the third set. Stearns saved the only break point she faced and converted 3 of the 7 break point opportunities she had against Uchijima. Ultimately, Stearns closed out the match with a score of 6-0, 1-6, 6-1. In the second round, she will face the experienced Sara Sorribes Tormo, who recently defeated Chinese player Yafan Wang.